Pakistan Reports Historic Gains in Girls’ Education

ISLAMABAD | February 25, 2026** – The Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training has released the “Girls’ Education Statistics and Trends Report 2023-24,” revealing a landmark shift in the country’s educational landscape. The report, launched by Federal Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, highlights that the primary school completion rate for girls has surged from 75% to 89%, reflecting a significant return on infrastructure investment.This progress is underscored by a drastic improvement in the learning environment across Pakistan, where 96% of schools are now housed in permanent buildings, 92% of institutions are equipped with functional toilets, and 82% provide access to clean drinking water. Despite these gains, the report identifies malnutrition as a persistent challenge, negatively impacting students’ physical growth in terms of height and weight, which remains a priority for future policy interventions.Data from the National Achievement Test (NAT) 2023 confirms that female students are leading academically across the board. Girls secured higher average scores in English, Urdu/Sindhi, and Mathematics compared to their male counterparts. In Grade 8 specifically, girls demonstrated clear superiority in Science and Math subjects. However, a significant socio-economic gap remains; while women have achieved near-parity with men in university enrollment, their actual labor force participation stands at only 24%. Minister Siddiqui described this disparity as a “waste of human capital,” noting that the transition from education to the professional workforce remains a critical hurdle for the nation.While the progress in completion rates is evident, the report underscores significant systemic hurdles that continue to plague the sector. Approximately 26.2 million children remain out of school nationwide, including 13.4 million girls. Furthermore, the education budget’s share has decreased from 13% to 11%, with a staggering 94% of available funds consumed by salaries, leaving minimal room for developmental projects or maintenance.Technological integration also 19% of schools possessing digital tools. Additionally, while 23% of schools have installed ramps for disabled students, specialized assistive learning materials remain scarce.Addressing the launch ceremony at the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE), Federal Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui emphasized that accurate data must be the bedrock of future policy. He remarked that with 140 million youth, the state must decide whether to view this demographic as a burden or a strategic asset. He urged a widespread societal shift, adding that any girl who receives a degree or a skill from the state has a fundamental right to move forward professionally. Minister of State Wajiha Qamar added that the ministry is already developing a targeted Action Plan to address the gaps identified in the report, with a specific focus on teacher training and digital integration. The report concludes that while Pakistani girls have proven their extraordinary potential through merit, the system requires an increased development budget and modernized facilities to bridge the remaining gaps.